Numerical fault arc simulation based on power arc tests

More than 200 power arc tests were carried out with original arrangements of overhead line insulators and arcing fittings for 20 kV, 110 kV and 220 kV. With an adequately modelled network, short-circuit currents in the range of 2 kA to 12.5 kA can be realized. Analysis of the measurements shows that a typical arc voltage time function can be attributed to each insulator type and arrangement. Using the measured variables, which were digitally recorded and stored on optical media, an existing numerical arc model has been enhanced, which can be applied in an electromagnetic transients program to reproduce the dynamic and random behaviour of power arcs for any insulator arrangement, current and system voltage.